TBY | Modalities
There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage
utilized by massage therapists. We've provided a description of some of the more
popular and well known types of massage being used today.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as
essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind,
mood, cognitive function or health and is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of
essential oils. Uses include pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term
memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. Two basic
mechanisms are offered to expain the puported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the
brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. The other is the direct
pharmacological effects of the essential oils. The modes of application of aromatherapy include:
Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection; Direct inhalation: for respiratory
disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effects; Topical applications:
for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care.[2]
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, also spelled
CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is an alternative medicine
therapy used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and
occupational therapists. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist
placing their hands on the patient, which they say allows them to tune into what
they call the craniosacral system. The practitioner gently works with the spine
and the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. In this way, the
restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of
cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord is said to be optimized, and
misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral
therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain,
migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as
fibromyalgia.[2]
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the
connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located
below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended
for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical
activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It
is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain
replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies
greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep
tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.[2]
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy involves the use of water for pain-relief and
treating illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with the term water
cure as it was originally marketed by practitioners and promoters in the 1800s.
A hydrotherapist therefore, is someone who practices hydrotherapy. According to
the International SPA Association (ISPA), hydrotherapy has long been a staple in
European spas. It's the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater
massage and mineral baths (e.g. balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine therapy, Kneipp
treatments, Scotch hose, Swiss shower, thalassotherapy) and others. It also can
mean a whirlpool bath, hot Roman bath, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and mineral
bath. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and
pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the
symptoms of certain diseases. Hydrotherapeutic modalities - The appliances
and arrangements by means of which heat and cold are brought to bear are
(a) packings, hot and cold, general and local, sweating and cooling;
(b) hot air and steam baths; (c) general baths, of hot water and cold; (d) sitz
(sitting), spinal, head and foot baths; (e) bandages (or compresses), wet and
dry; also (f) fomentations and poultices, hot and cold, rubbings and water
potations, hot and cold.[2]
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic
dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is
accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing
venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and
overlying fascia.[2]
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the
goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.).
However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modification are made.
To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows,
positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting
mother and baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the
many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide
relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved.[1]
Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the
hand in order to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.
It is a form of therapy practiced as a treatment in alternative medicine in which
the soles of the feet are massaged: designed to stimulate the blood supply and
nerves and thus relieve tension. Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative
medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears
with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion.
It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas
that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise
that such work effects a physical change to the body.[2]
Shiatsu
Shiatsu (指圧) ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) is an
eastern (oriental) born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers
and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates
stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating,
grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure
is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is
required for the "foot" shiatsu).[2]
Sports Massage
Sports massage is actually a form of Swedish massage that is
delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood
and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender
trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports
massages can be broken into 4 distinct types - the pre-event sports massage, the
post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative
sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a
different focus for the athlete as they are delivered at different times during
their training and performance schedule.[1]
Stone Massage
Stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and
heat or cold to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist
delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river
stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the
stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then
deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.[2]
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage.
The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading),
tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking.
Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness,
and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a
period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals
with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to
Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted
the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage
is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic
massage".[2]
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points or trigger sites are described as
hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable
nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Trigger point practitioners believe that
palpable nodules are small contraction knots [ambiguous] and a common cause of
pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain,
or local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle
spasm. This is because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle entirely
contracting whereas the local twitch response also refers to the entire muscle
but only involves a small twitch, no contraction. The trigger point model states
that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness
to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners
claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns, allowing practitioners
to associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.[2]
[1] Content Copyright ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC dba MassagePlanet.com
[2] Content Obtained from Dictionary.com and Wikipedia.com
utilized by massage therapists. We've provided a description of some of the more
popular and well known types of massage being used today.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as
essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind,
mood, cognitive function or health and is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of
essential oils. Uses include pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term
memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. Two basic
mechanisms are offered to expain the puported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the
brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. The other is the direct
pharmacological effects of the essential oils. The modes of application of aromatherapy include:
Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection; Direct inhalation: for respiratory
disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effects; Topical applications:
for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care.[2]
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, also spelled
CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is an alternative medicine
therapy used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and
occupational therapists. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist
placing their hands on the patient, which they say allows them to tune into what
they call the craniosacral system. The practitioner gently works with the spine
and the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. In this way, the
restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of
cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord is said to be optimized, and
misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral
therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain,
migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as
fibromyalgia.[2]
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the
connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located
below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended
for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical
activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It
is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain
replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies
greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep
tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.[2]
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy involves the use of water for pain-relief and
treating illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with the term water
cure as it was originally marketed by practitioners and promoters in the 1800s.
A hydrotherapist therefore, is someone who practices hydrotherapy. According to
the International SPA Association (ISPA), hydrotherapy has long been a staple in
European spas. It's the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater
massage and mineral baths (e.g. balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine therapy, Kneipp
treatments, Scotch hose, Swiss shower, thalassotherapy) and others. It also can
mean a whirlpool bath, hot Roman bath, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and mineral
bath. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and
pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the
symptoms of certain diseases. Hydrotherapeutic modalities - The appliances
and arrangements by means of which heat and cold are brought to bear are
(a) packings, hot and cold, general and local, sweating and cooling;
(b) hot air and steam baths; (c) general baths, of hot water and cold; (d) sitz
(sitting), spinal, head and foot baths; (e) bandages (or compresses), wet and
dry; also (f) fomentations and poultices, hot and cold, rubbings and water
potations, hot and cold.[2]
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic
dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is
accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing
venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and
overlying fascia.[2]
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the
goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.).
However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modification are made.
To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows,
positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting
mother and baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the
many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide
relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved.[1]
Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the
hand in order to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.
It is a form of therapy practiced as a treatment in alternative medicine in which
the soles of the feet are massaged: designed to stimulate the blood supply and
nerves and thus relieve tension. Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative
medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears
with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion.
It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas
that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise
that such work effects a physical change to the body.[2]
Shiatsu
Shiatsu (指圧) ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) is an
eastern (oriental) born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers
and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates
stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating,
grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure
is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is
required for the "foot" shiatsu).[2]
Sports Massage
Sports massage is actually a form of Swedish massage that is
delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood
and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender
trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports
massages can be broken into 4 distinct types - the pre-event sports massage, the
post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative
sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a
different focus for the athlete as they are delivered at different times during
their training and performance schedule.[1]
Stone Massage
Stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and
heat or cold to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist
delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river
stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the
stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then
deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.[2]
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage.
The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading),
tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking.
Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness,
and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a
period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals
with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to
Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted
the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage
is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic
massage".[2]
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points or trigger sites are described as
hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable
nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Trigger point practitioners believe that
palpable nodules are small contraction knots [ambiguous] and a common cause of
pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain,
or local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle
spasm. This is because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle entirely
contracting whereas the local twitch response also refers to the entire muscle
but only involves a small twitch, no contraction. The trigger point model states
that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness
to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners
claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns, allowing practitioners
to associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.[2]
[1] Content Copyright ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC dba MassagePlanet.com
[2] Content Obtained from Dictionary.com and Wikipedia.com
